9 Ways to Evaluate an Assisted Living Facility After the Tour

Visiting an assisted living facility can bring a mix of relief and overwhelming uncertainty. You’ve taken the first big step—but now what? How do you decide if a place is truly right for your loved one?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to evaluating a facility after the tour so you can feel more confident in your decision.

• Revisit Your First Impressions

Sometimes your gut feeling is worth listening to. After the tour, take a moment to reflect on how you felt walking through the facility.

• Did the environment feel welcoming and clean?
• Were staff friendly, patient, and genuinely engaged with residents?
• Did residents appear content, well-groomed, and active?

These initial feelings are important, especially when paired with concrete observations.

-> Prepare for the tour with these 6 topics

• Use a Post-Tour Checklist

It’s easy to forget details after multiple tours. Use a checklist to stay organized. Here’s a helpful one you can download and print:
👉 Post-Tour Checklist PDF from AARP

Key Areas to Review:

• Cleanliness: Smell, tidiness, maintenance
• Resident Interaction: Engagement, demeanor, diversity of activities
• Safety Features: Grab bars, emergency call systems, secure entries/exits
• Dining Services: Nutrition, meal flexibility, dining environment
• Staffing: Training, ratios, turnover, availability
• Transportation & Activities: Schedule variety and accessibility

• Talk to Other Residents or Families

If possible, talk to residents or visiting family members during or after your tour. Ask questions like:

• “Do you or your loved one feel safe here?”
• “How responsive is the staff when you need help?”
• “What do you wish you knew before moving in?”

These candid conversations can give you insight beyond the polished sales pitch.

• Compare Facilities Side-by-Side

Here’s a simple comparison table you can copy and fill in based on your top choices:

• Ask Follow-Up Questions

After the tour, it’s okay (and encouraged) to call back with follow-up questions. Some questions to consider:

• Are there extra costs not covered in the monthly rate?
• How are care plans created and updated?
• What happens if a resident’s care needs increase?
• Is there a waiting list?

Also, request a sample contract or resident agreement so you can review the fine print.

• Do a Second Visit—This Time Unannounced

If you’re serious about a facility, try to stop by without scheduling ahead. A surprise visit can tell you a lot about:

• Daily routines
• Cleanliness when not expecting guests
• Staffing patterns during off-hours
• General mood of the community

• Look Up Facility Ratings and Violations

Do some research on the facility using trustworthy, non-competitive resources:

• Medicare.gov’s Care Compare – Enter the facility name and check for inspection reports and quality ratings.
• Eldercare Locator from the U.S. Administration on Aging – Search for services and local ombudsman contacts.
• Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care – Advocates for resident rights and offers detailed facility evaluation tips.

• Cost: What’s Included—and What’s Not

Before committing, make sure you understand what you’re paying for. Ask for an itemized list of services and monthly fees. Here's a sample cost breakdown to consider:

• Ask Yourself: Can You Picture Your Loved One Living Here?

Finally, take a quiet moment to reflect on your loved one’s personality, preferences, and values.

• Would they feel comfortable in this setting?
• Are their spiritual, dietary, or cultural needs acknowledged?
• Would they be able to make friends and feel a sense of belonging?

This is where empathy and insight come in. You know them best. Trust that knowledge.

It’s Okay to Take Your Time

This isn’t just a move—it’s a life transition.
Take time to revisit notes, talk it through with family, and schedule another visit if needed. Rushing can lead to regrets.

If you're still unsure, consider speaking with a local aging life care professional or a geriatric care manager:
👉 Find one through the Aging Life Care Association

Go With the Place That Feels Like Home

You might tour a facility that looks great on paper, but something doesn’t feel right—and another one just clicks. That’s okay. The right place isn’t always the fanciest or the closest. It’s the one where your loved one will feel safe, respected, and cared for.

When in doubt, picture their smile in that dining room, the ease of their morning routine, or their laughter in an afternoon art class. That’s what home feels like.